If you’re considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you likely have questions about the process. How long does bankruptcy Chapter 7 take, and what can you expect in terms of a timeline?
A typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing takes 4-6 months to complete. But depending on the specifics of your case, that time frame may vary.
At Andrade Law Office LLC, we can help you navigate the process from start to finish and avoid costly delays. To learn more about how you can get a financial fresh start, contact an experienced Middletown OH bankruptcy attorney today.
Filing Your Petition With the Court
First, you need to file the necessary paperwork with the bankruptcy court. You will provide documents describing your income, expenses, debts, assets, recent financial transactions, and property you own.
Attending Your 341 Meeting of Creditors
Next, you will need to attend the 341 meeting of creditors hearing. The court will notify your creditors that all collection attempts must stop. The court will then set a date for the hearing, which will occur 20 to 40 days after you file.
At the hearing, you will be asked routine questions under oath by the bankruptcy trustee assigned to you. Your creditors will have the right to ask questions as well, although this rarely happens. The entire hearing should take approximately ten minutes or less. Be sure to bring proper identification, such as a state issued ID or passport and your Social Security card.
Providing Additional or Missing Information
Sometimes, the trustee may require additional information, or you may have forgotten to include necessary documents. In that case the hearing may be moved to another date.
Your creditors will have 30 days from the date of the hearing to object to the discharge of your deb or other aspects of your case, or even your entire case. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can help you respond if needed.
Completing Your Financial Management Course
After you receive notice of your 341 meeting of creditors you will begin a mandatory financial management course. You must complete two courses before your debt is discharged, within 60 days of the date set for the 341 meeting of creditors hearing.
Receiving a Discharge
If everything goes smoothly, you will receive your bankruptcy discharge about 60 days after the meeting of creditors. Assuming everything goes well, your case will close when the court resolves all outstanding matters and issues a “final decree.”
What Could Potentially Delay Your Case?
Your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case could take longer if:
- Trustee requires additional information that you failed to provide
- Trustee needs time to value and sell your non-exempt property,
- Your creditors have objections
- You failed to complete the financial management courses.
How Can a Bankruptcy Attorney Help?
An experienced bankruptcy attorney can help speed up the process by ensuring you have provided all the required information and by responding to any objections as soon as possible.
Contact a Middletown OH Bankruptcy Attorney Today
So how long does bankruptcy Chapter 7 take? While the process is typically fairly quick, it really depends on the complexity of your case. Don’t let potential pitfalls delay the process. Contact Andrade Law Office LLC today to learn more about how we can help.
